Term luxury tax Definition: A tax on relatively expensive goods that are typically purchased primarily by the wealthy or affluent. A luxury tax is generally set up as an excise tax on the purchase price of a good over an specific amount. For example, a 10% tax on the purchase price of an automobile over $30,000 would be considered a luxury tax. Goods most likely subject to luxury taxies are (expensive) cars, jewelry, boats, planes, and furs. A luxury tax is, by design, a progressive tax that falls more heavily on those with more income. Like almost every tax, a luxury tax is controversial and debated, favored by those not paying and opposed by those paying.